ABH 70.245

March Moth Alsophila aescularia

BF 1663

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( Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
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Phenology

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Family

Geometridae » Ennominae

Wingspan

25-35 mm.
   

Description

This is one of a few species of moth where the female is apterous, or wingless. The male has a distinctive way of resting, with the wings overlapping. Male has a distinctive resting posture and shape, with narrow, overlapping forewings and straight costa, giving the appearance of an arrow-head, and the forewing shows a distinct dentate subterminal fascia; the flightless female is very easy to overlook, but can be distinguished from other flightless females by the brown anal tuft and complete absence of wings.

   

Life Cycle

.Occurring in March and April, when the females may be found crawling on tree-trunks at night, and the males can be attracted to light. The pale green larvae feed on a range of deciduous trees, , including Oak, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Crab Apple, over-wintering as a pupa.

 

Habitat

Common in woodland, marshes, river-banks and heathland throughout the British Isles.
   

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Images

 March Moth 3814

 IMG_6016

  IMG_6012

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